Hidden: a Christian romantic suspense as one woman faces her morality and discovers the true meaning of forgiveness

Hidden is the first book in the Jacobs family series by Vanetta Chapman. After surviving a tragic and violent childhood. Dana Jacobs is now a supervisor in charge of a Department of Homeland Security in Taos, New Mexico. Her team is at the ready to handle any threat. Benjamin Marshall is the newest member of Dana’s office. Straight from a six year military deployment, Benjamin is not what Dana wants or needs. However, Ben knows that God has a reason for putting him with Dana’s team. When a local school is threatened, they pursue a man who is filled with bitterness and anger that Dana can understand; however, there is a difference. She is justified and it remains hidden and she hurts no one. Can Dana accept her own morality? Can she truly understand what it means to forgive and to be forgiven? 

Hidden is a Christian romantic suspense. While it is not a genre I normally read, I was looking forward to reading a suspenseful story filled with faith and romance. The book opens with the aftermath of a violent encounter in Dana’s childhood. Leading to her as an adult who still has nightmares of that night, Dana is now a leader of a team. Benjamin is coming to her team on his first day. I liked Dana as a woman who has lived a hard life and keeps her emotions close to the vest. I also liked Benjamin as a man of faith who knows he would be a good fit for the team. Overall, I enjoyed the faith and morality discussions; however, the romance was a bit far-fetched and the suspense was lacking. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, I recommend you check out Hidden. 

Hidden is available in paperback and eBook

Destination Funeral: four friends reunite for a funeral in a story of grief, healing and forgiveness

Destination Funeral by Paige Harbison is a story of grief, healing and forgiveness. The complicated and yet magnetic matriarch, Babe dies, four estranged friends gather together at her Mercy Island estate for the reading of her will. Didion, Babe’s oldest daughter, arrives to find Sammie, her youngest sister, and Matt, her ex best friend already there. Soon, Austin, the final attendee and her ex boyfriend arrives. The atmosphere is filled with the tensions and awkwardness that Didion expected. They were expected to stay the weekend and Didion braces herself for an ugly weekend. However, they find themselves experiencing Saturday over and over and over again. Trapped in a time loop with seemingly no end and no instructions how to stop it, the four adults are forced to confront their past of betrayals, breakups, and buried truths. How can one endless weekend be exactly what they need to save their futures? 

Destination Funeral is described as a “laugh-out-loud funny and equally heartbreaking novel” with The Big Chill (1983) and Groundhog Day (1993) vibes. However, I struggled with this story. I did not laugh out loud once and I didn’t find it heartbreaking at all. I disliked the characters, especially Babe. She is supposed to be a complex woman but is really a miserable woman who favors her youngest child and was in and out of her daughters’ lives as it suited her. The parentification of teenage Didion hit hard and gives her a bit of sympathy for her hardness and cold demeanor. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I read Ms. Harbison's previous book and I did not enjoy it either. Her writing style is just not for me. However, if you enjoy Ms. Harbison's previous books, you may enjoy Destination Funeral. Unfortunately, I do not recommend Destination Funeral. 

Destination Funeral is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Reckless Memories: a friends to lovers romance with angst, forgiveness and suspense

Reckless Memories is the first book in The Wrecked series by Catherine Cowles. Bell Kipton has loved Ford Hardy from afar for a long time. He was her older sister, Violet’s boyfriend but he was her friend and confidante. But a tragic accident tears everything apart. Her sister is gone and Ford leaves Bell behind to pick up the pieces alone. Now, eleven years later, she has created a new life without him. However, now he has come home and every wall and defense she has built comes crumbling down. As they both deal with the past, their guilt and their mutual passion, they fight feelings that they are betraying Violet. However, little do they know, a shadow moves in the dark. Someone who holds them responsible. Someone who wants them both gone. Can they discover who is determined to hurt them both before it’s too late? 

Catherine Cowles is my go-to author for steamy romance with angst, deep emotions and suspense. Reckless Memories is a page-turning slow burn friends to lovers romance that fits that bill. There is plenty of drama and sweet moments between the characters. It is a story of forgiveness, trust and love. I loved Bell and Ford from the very beginning. Their pain and feelings of guilt breaks your heart. They fought the growing feelings between them until there was no denying them any longer. When they finally confessed their feelings, it was heartwarming. Their doubts and worries about appearances felt very authentic. The suspense kept me on my toes and I was shocked when it was revealed who was out to hurt them. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I could not put this book down! And I look forward to the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Reckless Memories. 

Reckless Memories is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Already Gone: a young adult drama about two sisters and the fight for their future

Already Gone by Bridget E Baker is the story of two sisters and the events that tear their lives apart forever. Lacy Shelton and her sister Hope are only eleven months apart, aka Irish Twins. However, they couldn’t be more different. Lacy is captain of the debate team, a possible Valedictorian, and eagerly awaiting the admission letter from Yale. Hope is the captain of the swim team and happy to go to community college in the fall. According to Lacy, Hope has taken everything she has ever wanted and now she has had enough. She is determined that Hope will not take the handsome new guy in school and she won’t let her ruin her chances with Yale. When a shocking death changes everything and Lacy is now stuck in court-mandated therapy, she is forced to relive the events leading up to the tragedy for a chance at a future.

Already Gone alternates between Lacy’s and Hope’s points of view in a puzzle of sisterhood, betrayal, and teenage mistakes in order to find forgiveness and purpose for the future. I was ready for a great story of teenage sisters, angst, and a story to keep me on the edge of my seat. However, that is not what happened. Yes, Lacy and Hope are stereotypical teens filled with attitude and spite. So much so that I had the urge to shake some sense into both of them. I had a hard time relating to them as I was not this kind of teen growing up. The recommended ages are between 12 and 18. I don’t see a 12 year old understanding this story, definitely high school age readers. The ending was anti-climatic and a bit disappointing. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. However, if you enjoy young adult drama, I recommend Already Gone. 

Already Gone is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Between the Shady Groves: sometimes going home is the path to happiness, love and forgiveness

Between the Shady Groves is the tenth book in the Raspberry Ridge Sweet Beach Romance series by Jessie Gussman. Twelve years ago, Lauren left the small town of Raspberry Ridge for the glittering city life and full of ambition. Now, she is married and life isn’t what she imagined. After a series of devastating miscarriages, the death of her mother and her emotionally unaware husband, Lauren returns to her hometown and the family bakery, desperate to find herself again and find the healing she desperately needs. With every familiar sight and scent, stirs memories of heartbreak, anger and abandoned dreams, Lauren takes up her mother’s legacy and opens the bakery once again. As friendships renew and blossom, Lauren finds the sense of belonging she is looking for. What she doesn’t expect is her husband, Cannon, arriving in town with pleads of forgiveness. Lauren must learn that true happiness is not escaping the past but embracing love, family and forgiveness. 

I have not read the earlier books in the Raspberry Ridge series; however, the story sounded promising, so I took a chance. From the very beginning Lauren is a shell of herself and desperate to feel comfort and love from those around her. I empathized with Lauren as someone who has experienced multiple miscarriages as others around me were having babies; however, where I couldn’t sympathize with her is her attitude toward her husband. She expected Cannon to read her mind and know what is wrong, what she wants and needs. Her favorite repeated line was he’s smart, he can figure it out. Men, and people in general, need to be told point blank, "I need this or that.” Overall, I did not like Lauren or Cannon and even though they came to a resolution at the end, I didn’t find myself cheering for them. If you are a fan of the Raspberry Ridge series, I recommend Between the Shady Groves. 

Between the Shady Groves is available in paperback and eBook. 

Second Chance Sweethearts: a short but sweet and powerful novella

Second Chance Sweethearts by Liwen Y Ho is a novella about two high school sweethearts finding a chance for love. When Missy Clark left her small town of Sun Valley, Texas, she left her first love behind. Five years later, she returns, battered, bruised and harboring a secret that will tarnish her reputation in the small town. Nate Dawson never stopped loving Missy, praying she would return to him. Now that she is back, he sees his prayers as being answered. However, he doesn’t realize that she hides a secret that hinders their reconnection. Nate is determined to show Missy she is worthy of love, despite her mistakes. Can he help her realize that he is willing and able to stand by her side? Can they find hope and healing for their future in the Lord?

Second Chance Sweethearts is a novella, short but very sweet and packed with love, the power of forgiveness and love with the Lord. It is a quick read as I was pulled into Missy and Nate’s story. Missy feels like damaged goods, coming back to her small town a failure. However, she doesn’t realize that one man has been praying for her return. Nate is a true sweetheart who sees the girl he fell in love with in the woman before him. Ms. Ho packs a lot in such a short story. The character development is wonderful. My heart broke for Missy from the first page and I cheered for them as they reconnected. If you are looking for a wonderful story of love and forgiveness for a quiet afternoon of reading, I highly recommend Second Chance Sweethearts. 

Second Chance Sweethearts is available in eBook. 

I Forgive You, But...: the freeing and healing power of forgiveness

“I Forgive You, But…” 3 Steps that can heal your heart forever by Karen Jensen Salisbury asks the question “Have you ever been hurt, betrayed, used or done wrong?” At some point in life, everyone experiences wounds at the hands or words of others. Staying hurt is not okay. When we refuse to forgive, holding on to the hurt, we end up hurting ourselves rather than punishing the person who hurt us. Karen Jensen Salisbury sets out to present a book about how to forgive, how to turn to the Bible when you’ve been hurt and let the Word set you free. Forgiveness is the God offered do-overs and fresh starts and walk away free from the pain of the past. Featuring the real life stories of individuals who once thought that forgiveness wasn’t the answer, but learned the transformative power of forgiveness. 

Many people think that forgiveness should be given when it has been asked for or when the person is truly sorry. However, what happens when the person never asks or doesn’t think he or she did anything wrong. Karen Jensen Salisbury shows readers through personal stories and Scriptures that forgiveness frees us from bitterness and resentment even when forgiveness isn’t asked for or when the pain remains despite the “I’m sorry.” While I expected a different format, the book is still filled with Scriptures on forgiveness and examples of how unforgiveness affects our daily lives. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Nobody can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” What a great reminder! I recommend “I Forgive You, But…” 

“I Forgive You, But…” 3 Steps that can heal your heart forever  

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Faith in Flowers: a second chance romance with heart and small town charm

The Faith in Flowers is the fifth book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Olivia Parker returns home for her brother, Grant’s wedding. She decides to keep her divorce secret so as to not ruin the big day. Confirmed bachelor Reed Hollis has never forgotten the only woman to capture his heart and he also hasn’t forgotten that she is married. Believing Olivia is happily married, he buried himself into cultivating his beautiful blooms and keeping his distance. When the original wedding venue becomes unavailable, Olivia and Reed are brought together to help plan the wedding with a new venue. As the two work together, they are confronted with their feelings as well as their fears and painful secrets. Can their love bloom with a little faith? 

I love the Poppy Creek series and The Faith in Flowers is a great addition to it. It is a sweet, clean romance with plenty of heart and the small town charm. A second chance for Olivia and Reed find themselves face to face after so many years and discovering their past feelings are alive and well. I love the themes of love, grace and forgiveness and that even the most beautiful flowers bloom from the dirt. We are not bound to our past mistakes as we build for a brighter future. Reed and Olivia are so sweet as they banter as friends and confide in each other before ultimately confessing their love. I look forward to continuing the series. I highly recommend The Faith in Flowers and the Poppy Creek series. 

The Faith in Flowers is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Starting Over: the Gray family and the citizens of Hart's Ridge must find hope and strength in the darkness

Starting Over is the eighth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. In the aftermath of the events of Hello Goodbye, the Gray family bands together in unwavering strength and resilience as a crisis appears to threaten to tear them apart once again. As a new case hits the small town of Hart’s Ridge a little too close to home, the Gray family and the rest of Hart’s Ridge must come together and find the courage and hope to keep going and start fresh. A local woman is taken while shopping and it becomes a race against time to find her and bring her home safe and sound. With every picture and facade being questioned and bonds tested by secrets, they can ever feel secure again. Will the Gray family and the citizens of Hart’s Ridge find strength and hope in the darkness of tragedy? Can they move forward as a family with love and forgiveness? 

When Kay Bratt first announced her new series, she originally planned for eight books. The overwhelming support and response for the Gray family and this series, she announced that she is continuing the series. And I am so happy! I can see how Starting Over was supposed to be a send off for the Gray family; but, there are still so many stories to be told in this tiny little hamlet. The main case of the story took my breath away as I awaited their resolution with every twist and turn. I wish I could talk about my reaction to the resolution but no spoilers! I will definitely be waiting for book nine and future books in this heart pounding series. If you have not started the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend starting with book one, Hart’s Ridge, which is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. If you have read the Hart’s Ridge series, you will not be disappointed with Starting Over! 

Starting Over is available in eBook

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove: second chances, forgiveness and finding a greater purpose

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is the third book in the Dove Pond series by Karen Hawkins. Ella Dove grew up in Dove Pond as a daughter in the magically talented Dove family. She is an instinctively talented baker who has gained a massive following on social media. However, a false accusation has forced her from her hometown. A restless soul, Ella has become haunted by a dream which leads her to believe it is time to head home and set the record straight. Angela Stewart Harrington is also returning to Dove Pond with her own amends to make with her estranged daughter, Jules. Her grandson, Gray, is shocked to see Ella back in Dove Pond. His first and only love, he was heartbroken when she left town, but never stopped loving her. However, he is determined to convince her to give him and Dove Pond a second chance; but is he on the road to another broken heart? Can Ella, Angela and Gray realize that love can and will find a way to forgive? 

I love the Dove Pond series! With magical realism and real life issues of betrayal, love and finding forgiveness and purpose, it is a series that has it all. The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is a great addition. Ella has convinced herself that she doesn’t need commitment or a place to call home to be happy. But when her dreams begin to haunt her waking hours, she realizes she has to face the past and Dove Pond again. While I figured out the reason behind her dreams, and frustrated that she couldn’t see it; however, the moment she does realize, was beautiful and highly satisfying. The drama and situations between Angela and Jules were wonderful as well. I also love how each book gives hints to future books and stories. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly recommend The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove. While you do not necessarily need to read these books in order, I highly recommend it. Start with The Book Charmer (2019) and then A Cup of Silver Linings (2021). 

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Singing Trees: lessons in forgiveness and second chances

The Singing Trees by Boo Walker is the story of one young artist who learns to forgive the past and embrace second chances. After losing her parents in a car accident, Annalisa Mancuso lives with her grandmother and their large Italian family in the small town of Payton Mills, Maine. Inspired by her mother, who left her artistic dreams behind for marriage, Annalisa focuses on painting. She is determined to never fall in love, to never marry and focus on her dreams. The first step is to leave her small town behind. She arrives in Portland, Maine and the thriving art scene where Annalisa hopes to discover her artistic voice. There she meets Thomas and ss their relationship deepens, Annalisa finds herself balancing her dreams with falling in love. Annalisa must decide if she is willing to take a risk, to truly open herself up to life and love. 

I heard an interview of Boo Walker on a podcast and found him to be interesting and immediately looked for his books. The Singing Trees was free with Amazon Prime Free, so I borrowed the book. It has a gorgeous cover and beautiful title that caught my eye and I looked forward to reading it. From the beginning, I found Annalisa to be harsh and unlikeable. I did not like her constant woe is me attitude. The story was drawn out and boring. Misunderstandings which would have been made clear by simply talking to each other! The dual timeline plot lines were confusing. There were revelations that didn’t make sense. Even the ending was a tangled mess. I closed the book confused. Overall, I did not like The Singing Trees which is disappointing as Mr Walker was likeable on the podcast and his books have been highly praised. 

The Singing Trees is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Woman who Led a Sinful Life: repentance, forgiveness, and a display of love and gratitude

She is not known by name but her story is a lesson in devotion, forgiveness and humility. The woman who led a sinful life had a reputation as a notorious sinner, most likely a prostitute. Rather than deny or defend herself, she admitted her sin and made a spectacle of herself in a passionate display of love and gratitude. Luke 7:36-50 tells her story. Jesus forgave her sins and commended her for her great faith and love. Someone who has been forgiven a great deal loves the most. Why is her story significant? What is so important about feet washing? And lastly, the truths we must know about sin. 

After being forgiven for her sins, she wanted to show her gratitude that she took a jar of alabaster, filled with perfume, and entered a home where she was not invited. Kneeling before Jesus, she poured the entire jar onto his feet and proceeded to wash his feet with her tears and her hair (Luke 7:38). This woman’s action highlights a very important lesson that many people may overlook. No matter how sinful, how broken or how entrenched in error one may be, forgiveness is available when we seek it in faith. Jesus promised. Luke 7:50, “Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’” Her story also warns others about judgment. Jesus’s host, Simon the Pharisee, couldn’t believe that Jesus was letting this woman touch him (Luke 7:39). Unfortunately, Christians tend to develop harsh attitudes toward the sins of others.Like Simon the Pharisee, his societal position blinded him to his own sins. Jesus used the woman’s display as a lesson for Simon, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47).  

Feet Washing is an act reserved for the lowest, most inexperienced servant of the household. As sandals or bare feet were common, travelers coming into a home would remove their sandals at the door. A good host would make sure his guests’ feet were washed and comfortable in his home. It was a duty of hospitality. A show of respect to the guest and a token of humility and affection from the host. In Luke 7:44, Jesus points out that Simon failed as host as he did not provide any water for his feet. It was an unpleasant and humbling task that gained little notice from guests. Did Simon believe that Jesus wasn’t worthy of this customary act? It’s possible. It wouldn’t have been that Simon didn’t know because feet washing has been featured throughout the Scriptures. Genesis 18:1-5, Abraham provided water for his guests to wash their feet. In Exodus 30:19-21, priests were required to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. Of course, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper (John 13:1-17). It was an act of love and service. A lesson for the disciples to show brotherly humility toward others. 

There is a truth that people have a hard time grasping. It is a simple truth. Sin is sin. There is no sin scale. All sins deserve the same punishment. There are a few truths of sin. First, sin is a cosmic treason against a holy God. “God is holy and everything owes its being to him” (McGarry, 2019). Second, sin comes from mankind’s desire to act independently from God. We are born in sin (Psalm 51:4). We are unable to see the sinfulness of our hearts, our minds, our decisions, and our daily activities. Sin is powerful and pervasive. It is the easy way out. The pleasurable way. The selfish way. Third, sin and death always belong together. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and eternal separation from God. Even if sin seems to have no consequences in life, there is one we experience after death (McGarry, 2019).  Fourth, everyone is a sinner. Everyone! Romans 3:23 says “or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Lastly, sin is great but God is greater. Romans 3:24 says “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

In conclusion, the woman who led a sinful life knew she had done wrong. She knew she deserved any punishment that would come. And yet, it didn’t. She received forgiveness instead. In an act of love and devotion, she washed the feet of Jesus. A task his host did not perform despite the social custom. We, like the woman, have sinned against God. It may not be as socially egregious as the woman or others around us, but sin is sin. Despite our sinful nature, despite our rightful punishment, we have a gift of forgiveness through Jesus. Belief in Him, faith in Him from the heart is all that is needed. 

Reference

McGarry, Mike (May 15, 2019). Five Truths We Must Teach About Sin. Rooted. www.rootedministry.com/five-truths-we-must-teach-about-sin. 

Wild Women and the Blues: survival, life, love and forgiveness

Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S. Bryce is a story of survival, forgiveness, life and love with all its joys and sadness, its ups and downs. In 1925, Chicago was the jazz capital of the world and the Dreamland Cafe was the club to see and be seen. Nineteen year old Honoree Daclour was a sharecropper’s daughter, no stranger to hard work, and was willing to dance her way to the top. The Dreamland offered a path to the good life and socializing with the celebrities of the day. However, Chicago is also home to bootleg whiskey, gambling and gangsters. In 2015, Sawyer Hayes was a film student desperate to interview the 110-year old Honoree. All his hope is resting with the frail but formidable woman. She is the only living link to help fill in the gaps in his research. Little does he know that she’ll fill in a lot more blanks than he expects. 

With its gorgeous cover and interesting premise, I was eager to read Wild Women and the Blues. It is the debut novel for Ms. Bryce who wrote a stirring story of the vibrant Chicago during the Jazz Age. Both desperate to find a better life and at the same time, desperate to keep their secrets. As Honoree reveals her story and her secrets, Sawyer finds healing in confronting his past and revealing secrets can close wounds. The story was moving with twists and turns as well as a great history lesson into the Jazz Age. I knew of Louis Armstrong; however I had never heard of his wife, Lil Hardin Armstrong. Or the great Oscar Micheaux, the US’s first major Black filmmaker, whose work countered the negative on screen portrayals of blacks at the time. Wild Women and the Blues is a mix of fiction and history lesson. I highly recommend Wild Women and the Blues!

Wild Women and the Blues is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Last of the Moon Girls: family, secrets and forgiveness

The Last of the Moon Girls by Barbara Davis is a moving story of family, secrets and forgiveness. Lizzy Moon wanted nothing to do with Moon Girl Farm. She left eight years ago and never looked back. Lizzy desperately wanted to distance herself from the strange family legacy and the whispered rumors. When her beloved grandmother, Althea dies, Lizzy must return and face that legacy and the rumors. Lizzy arrives at the farm, determined to sell the farm and return to her life in New York City. But when she discovers Althea’s journal, she finds it harder and harder to leave. She also reconnects with Andrew Greyson, a childhood friend, and the only one left who doesn’t believe the ugly rumors about the family. Will she accept her legacy and the path she was meant to be on? Or will she leave it all behind for good? 

Part family forgiveness, part mystery, and part self-discovery, The Last of the Moon Girls is a story that hits all the needs for a great drama. I enjoyed Lizzy’s growth from desperate to escape and forget to understanding and acknowledgment. She learns details that she couldn’t have understood as a child but as a grown woman, she begins to understand. Lizzy discovers a strength and courage she didn’t know she had. I loved that she discovers that family history doesn’t necessarily have to dictate one’s path. I also enjoyed hearing from Althea through her journal. Lizzy and Andrew’s romance was sweet. Their connection began as children but their relationship had to have the perfect moment to move forward. The resolution to the mystery was interesting and not expected. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly recommend The Last of the Moon Girls. 

The Last of the Moon Girls is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Truth in Tiramisu: forgiveness and second chances for love

The Truth in Tiramisu is the second book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Eliza Carter has been hiding a deep secret. With her bakery undergoing a remodel, her son, Ben, struggling in school, and planning her best friend’s wedding, her secret is the last thing she has to deal with. That is until her high school sweetheart comes back to town. Grant Parker has never forgotten the girl he left behind, the girl who broke his heart. With a business deal with a very lucrative client on the line, he takes the chance and heads home to Poppy Creek. Maybe a chance to rekindle their love? When Grand offers to help Eliza with her new business’ website, he ends up spending more and more time with Eliza and Ben and discovers their feelings never changed. When the secret comes to light, can their new love survive?

This story picks up right after The Clause in Christmas ends as Eliza is reliving and questioning if she really saw a familiar face. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I loved, loved this story! I could not put it down! I loved the themes of hope, forgiveness and second chances for love. I even appreciated the meaning behind the title as it is revealed in the story. So good! Eliza is the kind of character you want to reach through the pages and hug, to stand behind as she deals with those who would judge her. I also enjoyed Grant’s story as he learns more secrets than just Eliza’s that have shaped, even misguided, his view on his family, his hometown and the love of his life. I look forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Truth in Tiramisu.  

The Truth in Tiramisu is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Overdue Wishes: undue guilt, forgiveness and second chances at love

Overdue Wishes by Tammy L. Grace is the tenth book in The Wishing Tree series. Norma Braxton is a born organizer. A member of the Winey Widows and a retired high school librarian, she keeps busy with local events. As she helps organize the All-Class Reunion in Linden Falls, she comes face-to-face with a man from her past, a man she never expected to be in Linden Falls. She panics as he knows her secrets and tries to pretend that he’s mistaken when he recognizes her. Fearful he could reveal her secret and upend the life she has built but he’s persistent. Chet is committed to learn more about the woman he recognizes as the young girl he used to know. His appearance in town has awakened something in Norma’s heart. Does she dare hope that her overdue wish could come true? 

Linden Falls is a town where wishes come true. Sometimes they are granted right away and some take years. Long after the individual has long given up. Overdue Wishes is a sweet story of undue guilt, forgiveness and second chances at love. Norma hides a secret that even her dear late husband didn’t know. I enjoyed Norma and her dedication to her adopted home. I loved Chet’s loving forgiveness toward Norma as he convinces her that he has held nothing against her and his sweet pursuit of her. There was one moment I held my breath as I waited for the outcome. Surely Norma and Chet’s story wouldn’t end like that? Overall, I enjoyed this trip to Linden Falls and witness Norma and Chet’s love story blossom. I highly recommend Overdue Wishes as well as all the books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Overdue Wishes is available in paperback and eBook

Come Home to Me: friendship and healing that forgiveness can bring

Come Home to Me by Liz Talley is a story of friendship and the healing that a deep heart-to-heart and forgiveness can bring. Summer Valentine returned to Moonlight, South Carolina, leaving behind her struggling music career in Nashville. Gone is the naïve wallflower who left years ago. Now with her 14-year-old son, David, Summer is a straightforward and no nonsense woman and ready to face the town that once drove her away. Summer has also returned so that her son can have a relationship with his father, Hunter “Hunt” McCroy. Someone else is back in Moonlight. Golden boy Rhett Bryan who is the talk of Hollywood especially after a tragic accident. He has come home, unsure what the next step is, he rekindles his friendship with Summer. When their relationship deepens, Summer must reveal the painful past she has been hiding. Will her revelation bring them closer or drive them apart again? 

Come Home to Me is a beautiful story with humor, tearful moments and hard topics with real to life conversations. Ms. Talley deals with the very complicated and sensitive issue of date rape and I believe she handles it beautiful. She details the societal perspectives, right or wrong, for both parties as well as a discussion on consent. I enjoyed all the characters, especially Summer and her relationships with Rhett and Hunt and even David. She is a strong woman who took the circumstances of her life and made a life. I thoroughly enjoyed Hunt’s story and his revelation about his own guilt and actions which drove Summer away. His apology was truly moving and I shed a few tears. Even Rhett’s own revelation and apology for his mistakes was incredibly moving and shows the powerful healing that forgiveness can bring. I highly recommend Come Home to Me. 

Come Home to Me is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Wishing Tree: a great introduction to a new series

The Wishing Tree is book one in The Wishing Tree series by various authors. In Linden Falls, Vermont is that picturesque, idyllic small town. Within the charming street of a community of people who care about each other and in the center of town is the famous Wishing Tree. It is an old beautiful tree with wishes tied to the branches. From simple wishes and dreams to heartbreaking and devastating hopes. As tourists flock to town and join the locals to hang ribbons to the branches of the tree. Some believe in the magic of the Wishing Tree while others believe it is the hooky gimmick to bring in tourists. If it’s magic or not, there have been beautiful stories of love, forgiveness and happily ever after that brings people to the tree and taking a chance to hang a wish. 

Book one of The Wishing Tree series is an introduction to the rest of the series. With a wonderful prologue which introduces Neva Cabot, one of the oldest residents and leads into a brief introduction to the first six books of the series. I read a lot of reviews that were upset that this book is not a full novel itself. However, I enjoyed the brief introduction into the premise of the series and the first six books. As an added bonus, this book is a free eBook that if you are interested in the series, this is a great way to give a highlight of what to expect and the feel for the series. I have the next six books in the series and will be reviewing them soon. If you are curious about Linden Falls and their Wishing Tree, I recommend checking out The Wishing Tree. 

The Wishing Tree is available in paperback and eBook

The Patron: a story of faith, forgiveness and family

The Patron by Tess Thompson is the second book in the Emerson Pass Contemporaries series. Crystal Whalen isn’t sure why she should move on. Two years after her husband’s death on a ski trip, she is still reeling from her devastation. She is further devastated when a fire destroys her mountain home. The fire has thrown her together with Garth Welte, the gorgeous former skiing Olympian turned lawyer, whose home was also destroyed. The two become temporary housemates as their mutual friends, Trapper and Brandi, offer them a room while their houses are rebuilt. However, Crystal’s attraction to Garth only fuels her grief and guilt. Garth has his own wounds. He was burned when his ex-wife took most of his money and he is determined to keep things casual with Crystal, unfortunately, his growing feelings are getting more and more harder to deny. As they deal with their respective wounds, will they allow themselves a chance at love one more time? 

The Patron picks up where the first book, The Sugar Queen, left off. The town of Emerson Pass is still dealing with the aftermath of the devastating fire. It is a sweet and heartwarming story of faith, forgiveness and family. I particularly liked Ms. Thompson’s treatment of Crystal’s grief. It felt very real and tangible as she struggles with moving forward. As a couple, I didn’t get the warm fuzzies with Crystal and Garth as I did with Trapper and Brandi, but honestly, I think it’s because I related to Brandi’s struggles more than I did with Crystal’s and Garth’s. There was a bit of a mystery that is revealed in the story. However, I figured it out very early in the story and it was nice to have an “I knew it!” moment as I read. Overall, I enjoyed The Patron and I look forward to reading more books in the Emerson Pass Contemporaries series. I recommend The Patron but first you must read The Sugar Queen. 

The Patron is available in paperback and eBook

The Sugar Queen is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook